Late burst fires Maldon to top

The visitors took the lead through Cory Whitely in the 19th minute and, after Jamie Guy levelled for the hosts on the stroke of half-time, Joel Palmer restored Forest’s advantage immediately after the restart.

James Robinson squared it again on the hour and a final flourish from Guy, Dave Wareham and Ollie Berquez lifted Maldon into first place.

Grays moved up to second after a comfortable 3-0 home win over Heybridge. All the damage was done by half-time, with Joe Sweeney’s 15th-minute opener being followed up by James Bunn (27 minutes) and Jake Hall (41).

Unbeaten Potters Bar climbed to fifth with a 2-0 victory at Redbridge. It was a much-improved performance by the Motormen, who had conceded 16 goals in their three previous home games. James Gershfield’s penalty on the half-hour was all that separated the sides until Daniel Ailey finished off a fine move in the 87th minute. He became only the second Scholar to score a league goal this season: Gershfield had netted six of their previous seven, the other being an own goal.